2:45 PM: Söder: The flood situation in Bavaria stays "grave and crucial"
The flood situation in Bavaria remains "serious and critical," according to Bavarian State President Markus Söder. In Regensburg and Passau, the highest water levels of the Danube are still anticipated, he said following a cabinet meeting in Munich. "We will remain focused," said Söder. Over the last few days, more than 60,000 people have participated in flood relief efforts in Bavaria, he stated. Up to 6,600 evacuations have been necessary so far. The cabinet observed a moment of silence for the three confirmed casualties early this morning. Söder also mentioned up to seven individuals who are missing, with the number potentially increasing. The state government sympathizes with the afflicted. "Their suffering is also ours," he said. There is now hope that the forthcoming two days could be managed well in terms of the flood situation.
In Baden-Württemberg, Senator President Winfried Kretschmann views the state well-prepared for floods in certain regions due to the heavy rains over the weekend. "We have been prepared and active for a long time," said Kretschmann in Stuttgart to reporters. "We're not reacting to this event at all, because we have already been responding for a long time," he added. The prompt response of the emergency services prevented a disaster, such as a power plant collapse. Kretschmann reiterates his call for a general natural disaster insurance. "There's no way around it," he says. However, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann continues to refuse to implement it. Environment Minister Thekla Walker advocates for frequent examinations of existing safeguards. "We need to keep on top of it," she says. Two casualties have been reported in Baden-Württemberg, which is regrettable. Meanwhile, the German Insurance Association (GDV) opposes insuring against floods. See entry at 13:00.
The Danube water level in Passau has reached ten meters. This prompted the city to declare a state of emergency due to the supposed worsening flood scenario. In Passau, the Inn is predicted to surge beyond seven meters, thanks to the rainfall from Monday, according to a spokesperson for the city. Several streets and squares in Passau have already been closed due to the floods. The schools have canceled their lessons. Public transportation has been disturbed, with all linkages to the old town completely ceased. The old and inner city is most affected. The city warns residents not to enter flooded regions. The entire locale should be avoided. In Passau, the three rivers Donau, Inn, and Ilz converge. The flood predicament in Bavaria continues to worsen along the Danube.
On Monday night, a woman swam in the flood waters in Deggendorf, a town in Bavaria. The city's fire department spotted the woman wearing a bathing suit during a snoop and coaxed her out of the water, a spokesperson reported today. City Fire Chief Tim Rothwehr noted that people are no longer adhering to barriers and are attempting to snap selfies, which is now "normal." He has never experienced an instance similar to that of the swimmer. The city requests that citizens adhere to the bathing ban in flooded areas and urges patience. The swimming season at the Deggendorf pool will commence on Thursday, according to reports.
German insurers will encounter a significant loss event with the flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, according to the managing director of the GDV (Association of Insurers), Jörg Asmussen. "The pictures from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg indicate significant damage," said Asmussen. "Our companies are already receiving numerous damage reports." However, it is too early for a genuine damage evaluation. "We can only predict when the waters have subsided everywhere," he reported. The floods in Saarland on Whit Sunday have cost insurers around 200 million euros. The magnitude of the damage to Bavaria and Lake Constance's insurers relies heavily on the number of houses insured against such natural disasters. In Bavaria, it is 47 percent, while in Baden-Württemberg, it is 94 percent. There were state compulsory insurance policies in effect until 1994. Asmussen argues against raising demands for compulsory flood insurance. "That was not a private market solution," he says. "And the premiums did not accurately reflect the actual risk," he added. "Insurance is not a solution." Despite this, flood protection remains on schedule. It necessitates, among other things, construction prohibitions in endangered areas and better dams. "Only then can we halt the spiral of increasing damages and premiums," said the GDV managing director.
Resources used:* Bundesminister der Finanzen
After a series of flood disasters across the country, the Bavarian government has pledged to allocate at least 100 million euros in financial assistance to those affected. "100 million euros, plus more if needed," states Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder following a cabinet meeting in Munich. This relief package will cater to private households, commercial properties, self-employed individuals, and farmers. "Bavaria acts swiftly and without the hassle of bureaucracy," adds Söder. "We won't leave anyone behind in times of crisis." Söder also urges the federal government to uphold their commitments and give their full support in the flood relief efforts.
In terms of financial assistance breakdown, households could be eligible for up to 5,000 euros in immediate aid and up to 10,000 euros for damaged residential homes - considering insurance payments. Exceptional cases of severe existential threats could qualify for 100% reimbursement according to Söder. For businesses and companies, immediate aid grants could range from 5,000 euros to 200,000 euros. Any amount would be adjusted based on existing insurance coverage.
Water levels in the Donau in Passau have reached an alarming depth, nearing the ten-meter mark. At noon, the Flood Warning Service (HND) reported a water level of 9.95 meters. The mark has surpassed the afternoon's forecast of 9.50 meters. At 8.50 meters, built-up areas are prone to severe flooding, and this level was already attained in Passau on Monday afternoon.
Unfortunately, the weather service's initial warning signifies rain in southern Germany. The German Weather Service (DWD) meteorologist, Robert Hausen, shares that although there may be occasional showers and thunderstorms, they'll unlikely present a real threat due to their light intensity. This forecast holds true throughout Germany until Thursday. Temperatures in the north and northwest are expected to remain below 20 degrees, meeting seasonal norms, while the rest of the country could witness temperatures of 21 to 26 degrees. The nighttime temperature is projected to plummet to ten degrees. By the weekend, rainfall rates are expected to increase, and in the south, rainfall and even thunderstorms are predicted, albeit not as bad as before. The DWD alerts that it's too early to provide more specific information: "Let's hope the water levels have settled by then"
The flood situation in Bavaria is now easing significantly; however, remaining concerned due to the high water levels, the flood warning service has not issued any new forecasts for potentially heavy rains that could have worsened the situation. Some levels are currently starting to drop, with the focus being on the Danube. Although the situation on the Danube is growing more optimistic, the water levels of tributaries are lowering significantly. Kelheim expects to reach alert level four at most, which is similar to the August 2005 flood quantity. Passau anticipates the Danube water level to fall below the 2002 flood mark. Until Wednesday, a high water status is expected for the Danube section between Kelheim and Passau.
Recently, there have been five fatalities reported due to flooding in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. A woman in Markt Rettenbach, Bavaria, lost control of her car and drove into the water after ignoring a barrier. Unfortunately, she could not be saved, and the police confirmed her death. There were four reported fatalities prior to this incident.
Post the dam breach, the Autobahn 9 in Upper Bavaria has been reopened in both directions without any restrictions. Traffic control set up on Monday in the direction of Munich was lifted the following morning. Currently, the stretch between Ingolstadt-South and Langenbruck can be traveled without hindrance; however, other roads in the region, like the B16 between Manching and Ernsgaden, remain closed due to flooding.
The Donau's increasing water levels have disrupted the shipping process on the Middle and Upper Rhine. This impedes passage and hinders businesses, translating to economic losses. Despite this unfavorable situation, there is a cautious optimism surrounding the stability of the water levels starting from the weekend.
Due to heavy rainfall across Germany, the Rhine is now inaccessible in various parts. "Shipping on the Middle and Upper Rhine has come to a complete stop," a representative for the Waterways and Shipping Office Rhine (WSA) stated to Reuters. Earlier this week, the Upper Rhine was shut down in areas like Maxau, Mannheim, and Worms, but now sections of the Middle Rhine downstream, including Mainz and Bingen, have also been impacted. "There are numerous vessels moored or still in the docks," the rep added. "They'll have to wait for the water levels to recede again." The peak may be reached later in the day or evening. Bingen could potentially be navigable again on Thursday. "This has led to at least a few days of shipping stagnation." The shutdowns are intended to minimize damage to the banks caused by the vessels' waves. The waves could potentially overflow the banks and inundate cellars and other structures.
10:20 More disruptions in train service across South Germany
Due to the ongoing flooding issues in Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria, German railways, Deutsche Bahn, continue to face delays and interruptions on several lines in regional and long-distance travel. Right now, four sections are being affected, including the area between Stuttgart and Ulm, Augsburg, Donauwörth, and Buchloe-Memmingen among Munich, Lindau, and Nuremberg. Travel to Munich from the north and west is severely restricted. Although the trains are experiencing individual failures and delays on certain routes, including Munich-Nuremberg-Erfurt-Berlin, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Ulm, Augsburg-Munich, Stuttgart-Mannheim-Frankfurt(M), Munich-Lindau-Bregenz-Zurich, Karlsruhe-Stuttgart-Crailsheim-Nuremberg, Augsburg-Kempten(Allgäu)-Oberstdorf, and Nuremberg-Würzburg, officials advise against any train travel to South Germany.
10:06 Air and land search for missing firefighter in Swabia
The police are intensifying the search for a missing firefighter in areas of Swabia impacted by the flooding. However, it is currently deemed too dangerous for emergency services to search the waters due to their strong currents. Therefore, they will be deployed to search from the land and the air using drones and a helicopter. The 22-year-old is feared to have drowned if he has lost his life, which would make him the fifth known casualty of the floods in Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemberg (for further details, see 09:38 a.m. and 06:22 a.m. entries).
09:38 Police retracts statement: Search for firefighter doesn't stop
In Swabia, the search for a firefighter missing due to the flooding is still in progress. The police have corrected their earlier announcement stating the end of the search (refer to 06:22 a.m. entry). The 22-year-old firefighter from the DLRG life-saving service in Offingen, close to the Baden-Wuerttemberg border, was on a boat when it capsized amidst strong currents on Saturday into Sunday. Four DLRG teams aged between 24-70 managed to reach land safely and remained unharmed.
08:45 Regensburg's Mayor urges caution in exploration of city under high water conditions
The Mayor of the flood-stricken city of Regensburg, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer, is urging against observing the rising water levels in the city for personal entertainment. "We already have a substantial influx of visitors, but now the locals are also roaming around," she said on Bavarian radio. "Please don't go and look, just see what's happening." She also cautioned against anything that could obstruct emergency responders working on the scene. Regensburg's situation was tense overnight, with the high groundwater levels and unstable subsoil presenting challenges for evacuations. The city has reached its high water mark overnight, with the mayor expressing a hope that the levels would drop during the day. The stability of the dams and protective structures is currently unclear. "We have a different situation than, for instance, in 2013, primarily due to the high groundwater levels and the subsoil becoming unstable. It's crucial that the pressure on the dams rises with a fluctuating subsoil."
The situation in Passau, a city in Bavaria, Germany, is worsening rapidly. The city was anticipating the high water mark to reach 9.50 meters in the afternoon, but it's already much higher than that as per ntv reporter Felix Balß.
07:48 Unprecedented Deployment by Bavarian Fire Brigade Association
The Bavarian Fire Brigade Association has to deploy their resources on a scale never seen before due to the flood. According to the association chairman Johann Eitzenberger speaking to the "Sueddeutsche Zeitung," this is truly unique. There are currently about 30,000 volunteer firefighters working to prevent and minimize damage where possible. However, the situation is still under control, he says. They will also need special skills in the coming days like handling oil from heating tanks.
07:28 Danube Dikes and Protection Walls in Danger of Collapse
The Danube River is putting immense pressure on dikes and additional protective walls in southern Germany. Some of these dikes are now at risk of breaking through. The city center of Passau is already underwater and closed.
06:55 Falkenstein Castle Ruins Sliding Away
Part of the Falkenstein Castle in Flintsbach, Upper Bavaria, is sliding away because of the persistent rain. The district of Rosenheim reports that 50 residents have been safely evacuated. The castle ruins near the Austrian border are a popular hiking spot. The main castle Falkenstein was built around 1300, and the outer castle was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. After a major expansion phase in the 16th and 17th centuries, the complex was destroyed by fires at the end of the 18th century. It is part of the Petersberg monument complex with the Roman Peterskirche and the adjacent Mesner House. The extent of the damage to the ruins is not known.
06:22 Continued Search for Missing Firefighter in the Flood
The search for a missing firefighter in the flood in Swabia will not be abandoned. The police spoke of the 22-year-old man as missing on Sunday night, but now he will not be actively searched for. However, he is likely to be found when the water subsides. The young man was on a boat of the DLRG lifeguard in Offingen near the border with Baden-Württemberg. The boat with five rescue crews capsized in strong currents. Four rescue crews aged between 24 and 70 managed to reach land unharmed.
Note: The police later stated that the search for the missing firefighter will continue (see entry at 09:38 a.m.).
06:03 Century-Rainfalls at Multiple Locations in South Germany
At several locations in South Germany, as much rain has fallen in the last few days as only every 50 to 100 years, according to meteorologist Thomas Deutschländer of the German Weather Service. "That's quite special, but not completely unusual." "It's all preliminary, we have to check the data," Deutschländer says. Sometimes stations are missing or the measurements are too low. "In general, there is still a bit more to come, the current data are rather conservative."
05:33 Danube Water Level in Passau Exceeds Nine-meter Mark
The water level of the Danube in Passau has exceeded the nine-meter mark during the night into Tuesday. At 3 a.m., the High Water Information Service (HND) reported a water level of 9.27 meters. On Monday evening, the gauge reading was still 8.83 meters. According to the HND forecast, the peak should be reached at noon on Tuesday with 9.50 meters. The Passau old town was closed to traffic on Monday due to the flood. Starting at a water level of 8.50 meters, beavered areas are flooded to a greater extent. This level was reached in Passau on Monday afternoon.
04:07 Evacuations in Regensburg
Due to a deteriorating flood situation, 200 people in Regensburg have been ordered to leave their homes. "The underground of the Werftstraße is collapsing due to the rising groundwater level, so there is an imminent danger that the flood protection elements will no longer hold," the Bavarian city reports on its website. Therefore, the rescue services have decided to evacuate everyone living on the entire street.
02:47 Flood Situation in Rosenheim District Slightly Eases
The flood situation in the southern Rosenheim district has slightly improved. The district reports this. Schools and kindergartens in the affected communities are to remain closed on Tuesday. In Raubling and Rohrdorf, evacuations have taken place. It is not yet clear how many people were affected. Previously, the district had already declared a disaster. Over 1000 emergency services personnel from the fire department and the Technical Relief Organization are on site, the district further reports. According to a message from the German Weather Service, the rainfall in Bavaria is expected to subside overnight on Tuesday.
4:03pm (CET) The German Meteorological Service rescinds all weather alerts across the nation as heavy rains subside. It's confirmed that authorities made this announcement. Severely prolonged precipitation in recent days has caused several streams and rivers to overflow, particularly in the regions of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, submerging entire residential areas even after dams burst. At least four people have lost their lives during the calamity so far. The situation in some areas of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg still feels tense today.
12:01pm A partial decrease in water levels is being observed in the southwestern area. The Flood Prediction Center states that most rivers in this region are witnessing diminishing water levels, but significant rises are still happening in major rivers like the Danube and Rhine, according to a representative. Water levels are still surging at places like the Danube river's Hundersingen gauge in the Sigmaringen district, Lake Constance, the Upper and Upper Rhine. No further 'critical levels' are expected which could surpass existing figures. Apart from the Danube from Hundersingen gauge in Sigmaringen district and Lake Constance, the Upper, and Upper Rhine, water is decreasing. The Maxau gauge near Karlsruhe's peak value, which stood at 8.29 meters on Sunday, won't be surpassed again. The Neckar river is now in decline.
9:53pm Rosenheim District urges residents to stay indoors due to flood crisis. According to the Rosenheim district, residents are in grave danger. They should stay away from open bodies of water and prevent rescue teams from being obstructed. Instruction has been postponed in some affected communities - Brannenburg, Raubling, Rohrdorf, Oberaudorf, Kiefersfelden, Nussdorf, Neubeuern, Bad Feilnbach, and Flintsbach. The Rosenheim State Education Authority will notify instructed schools. The kindergartens in the aforementioned towns will be closed as well.
9:06pm Portion of Burg Falkenstein slips in Flintsbach, Rosenheim. Rosenheim District Administration alerts residents that parts of Burg Falkenstein in Flintsbach have slid amid the heavy rainfall. Slightly over 50 residents dwelling below the castle are being removed from danger.
7:08pm Grav-Island, Germany's largest campground, ordered to evacuate due to the flood situation. The operators of the Grav-Island in NRW state that the campsite, containing 5,000 permanent campers, must be emptied in the following 24 hours. The adjacent rivers and bodies of water's rising water levels justify this action.
6:53pm Landkreis Rosenheim experiences under-construction Werftstraße being evacuated: The city of Regensburg reveals that Werftstraße near the Danube is now being evacuated. Situated on the Danube riverbank, the ground of the road is softening due to the high groundwater levels, increasing the risk of the installed flood protection systems failing and causing a flood. Around 200 residents are expected to evacuate starting 9:00pm.
You can find more details about past developments here.
